The Royal Institute Of British Architects

TQ 2881 NE CITY OF WESTMINSTER PORTLAND PLACE, W1 45/23 (east side) 14.9.70 Nos. 66 and 68: THE ROYAL Institute of British Architects (R,I.B.A) - II* Institute. 1932-34 by G. Grey Wornum as the result of a competition. Steel framed and reinforced concrete construction clad in Portland stone; flat roof. Deep rectangular plan filling 2 original house plots back to mews. Scandinavian influenced Neo Classicism with carefully proportioned and restrained use of formal and sculptural details emphasising institutional character whilst respecting the overall scale of the C.18 Portland Place; plain annexe front to north, 3 storeys (with blind 3rd floor) and set back attic storey, the annexe with 6 storeys in the same height, on basement. 3 windows wide with 11-window return; 3 window annexe. Broad square headed doorway centred in rusticated ground floor with bold simply moulded architrave surround; large double bronze relief doors by James Woodford, flanked by free-standing -sculptured monoliths. Through storey large window above doorway in architrave surround rising into blind 3rd floor level with shallow relief figure carved above. Flanking bays have tall 1st floor windows, shorter 2nd floor ones and square ones to 4th floor,all with shallow architrave mouldings. Plat band finishing off ground floor rustication. Bold sharply profiled crowning cornice. Plain set back attic storey. Weymouth Street return has outer windows wider spaced from chain range of 9, similar details to flanking windows on front but with continuous bronze balcony to 2nd floor and the blind 3rd floor with figured bas-relief panels by B. Copnall. The annexe has similar plain fenestration but with 2 storeys of windows in the double height of main block 1st floor separated by balconettes and plain square windows in 4th floor. Bronze area railings to annexe and Weymouth Street. Fine unaltered interior by Wornum and his wife with high standard of finishes and intact fittings; grand central staircase going across to lecture and memorial halls; excellent use of ornamental engraved and frosted glass; galleried library, etc. Britain in the Thirties; A.D. Profile

Listing NGR: TQ2879381885